Spring
Mar–May
Average temperature:
26˚C
Rainfall:
100–200mm/month
Spring is Kenya’s long rainy season, with lush landscapes and dramatic skies. Wildlife is active, but some roads may be muddy.
Summer
Jun–Aug
Average temperature:
24˚C
Rainfall:
10–50mm/month
Cool and dry, especially in the highlands. Ideal for safaris and the Great Migration in the Masai Mara, which begins in July.
Autumn
Sep–Nov
Average temperature:
27˚C
Rainfall:
50–150mm/month
Short rains begin in October and wildlife viewing remains excellent.
Winter
Dec–Feb
Average temperature:
28˚C
Rainfall:
10–40mm/month
Warm and mostly dry with clear skies and abundant wildlife make this a favourite time for travellers.
Country dialing code
+254
Capital city
Nairobi
Official language
English, Kiswahili
Currency
Kenyan Shilling (KES)
Kenya is a year-round destination, but the best time to visit is during the dry seasons, from January to March and June to October. These months offer excellent wildlife viewing, especially in the Masai Mara, where the Great Migration typically occurs between July and October. The short rains in November and the long rains from March to May can make some roads hard to navigate, but they also bring fewer travellers and vibrant green scenery, which photographers and bird watchers enjoy.
Witness the Great Migration, nature’s grandest show, as millions of wildebeest and zebras cross the Mara River, braving predators in a dramatic journey of survival and instinct.
Set against the backdrop of Mount Kilimanjaro, Amboseli is famed for its large elephant herds, open plains and stunning views. It’s perfect for photographers and wildlife lovers alike.
Lake Nakuru dazzles with pink flamingos, rhinos and acacia forests. A birdwatcher’s paradise and rhino sanctuary, it’s a compact park packed with beauty and biodiversity.
Just outside the capital, Nairobi National Park offers wild encounters with lions, giraffes and rhinos set against the city’s skyline. It’s the only national park within a capital city anywhere in the world.
Famous for tree-climbing lions, flamingos, rich birdlife, elephants, and lush groundwater forests, Lake Manyara also offers stunning views along the Great Rift Valley.
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clear searchCountry Code for Kenya: +254
Official Travel advice visit:
Kenya Travel Advice & Safety | Smartraveller (Kenya)
Emergency Services: 999 Ambulance: 999 Fire: 999 Police: 999
Australian High Commission, Nairobi
Limuru Road, Rosslyn, Nairobi, Kenya
Phone: (+254) 20 4277 100
Website: kenya.highcommission.gov.au
New Zealand Embassy Addis Ababa
Bole Sub City, Woreda 03, House No 111, Behind Atlas Hotel/close to Shala Park, (Namibia Street), Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Telephone: +251-11-515-1269
Email: aue@mfat.govt.nz
Website: www.mfat.govt.nz/ethiopia
Kenya is a diverse country with over 40 ethnic groups, each with its own customs, but hospitality is a shared value. A warm greeting is essential by handshake and in some communities, prolonged handshakes are a sign of respect. Dress modestly and when entering a home, it’s customary to remove your shoes. Bargaining is part of the culture in markets but always done with politeness and humour. Respect for elders and community leaders is important and always ask before taking photos of people or cultural sites.
Plug type: Type G (British-style 3-pin)
Voltage: 240 V, 50 Hz
Yellow fever is widespread in Kenya and is spread by mosquitoes. It's prevented by vaccination. Take your yellow fever vaccination certificate with you to Kenya.
Malaria is widespread except in Nairobi and at altitudes above 2,500m.
Other insect-borne diseases occur, including dengue, Rift Valley fever
Lymphatic filariasis and African sleeping sickness. To protect yourself from disease, ensure your accommodation is mosquito-proof, use insect repellent, wear long, loose, light-coloured clothing and consider taking medication to prevent malaria.
Waterborne, foodborne and other infectious diseases are common. Serious outbreaks sometimes occur. To protect yourself from illness:
drink boiled water or bottled water with sealed lids, avoid ice cubes, avoid uncooked and undercooked food, such as salads and avoid contact with dogs and other mammals. Don't swim in fresh water to avoid exposure to waterborne diseases, such as bilharzia (schistosomiasis).
Official Travel advice visit:
Kenya is a multilingual nation with English and Swahili (Kiswahili) as its official languages. English is commonly used in business, education, and government, while Swahili serves as a unifying language spoken across the country’s many ethnic groups.
The Travel Corporation has partnered with the company Sherpa to provide travellers with the latest government and health restrictions. Simply enter the country you want to travel to for information on safety regulations, border closures, quarantine requirements, your travel visa and more using the Sherpa travel tool: Visa Advice
To enter Kenya, you'll need to apply online and pay for an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) prior to arrival. These are valid for stays up to 90 days.
Official Travel advice visit:
